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10
“Wait,what? Did you say Hackers? As in the Hackney Hackers?” I respond, my mouth feeling dry all of a sudden. This isn’t good. This isn’t goodat all.
“The one and only. Why? You know them?”
“Shit.” I mumble, this can’t be happening. “What kind of set-up is this?”
“One where the reach of the most powerful gang in London can infiltrate the walls of this establishment. Mr Carmichael might’ve grown up in a similar environment to us all, but he sure as fuck ain’t aware of Camden’s power in our world or if he is, then he turns a blind eye to it. I’m not sure what’s worse, ignorance or compliance.”
“Youknow Camden?” I respond, ignoring Ford’s remark about Mr Carmichael whom I happen to like. I’m betting he knows more than he lets on about what’s happening here, and he doesn’t seem the type to let it continue without having a reason for it. No, there’s more to this than meets the eye.
“Everyone in London knows Camden, including you it would seem.”
“Yeah, we’ve met,” I confirm, looking over at Monk who gives me a wide grin. The dark pools of his black eyes are stark against the paleness of his skin. I don’t know him, but somehow he knows all about me… Fucking Camden. I’m in big trouble now. BIG trouble.
“Look, I appreciate your concern,” I say sarcastically, because this most definitely isn’t about any concern Ford has for me, but more about recruiting me to his crew and building his army. There’s safety in numbers, right? “But I can look after myself, I’ve done it for a very long time,” I say, stepping backwards, not willing to take his offer.
“And you think they haven’t? They’d chew you up and spit you out. You’ll need my protection,ourprotection.”
“You think Red and Bram are going to protect me? They hate me already.”
“They’ll toe the line if I tell them to.”
I bark out a laugh. “Sure.”
“Then trustme. I’ve got your back.”
“Why? You’re a stranger. We literally just met.”
“Because I’m a good judge of character.”
That really makes me laugh. “Are you fucking kidding me?” I ask, pointedly looking at Bram and Red who are looking more and more annoyed that their leader has deigned to talk to me.
Ford follows my gaze. “I’ve known Red and Bram my whole life. Trust me, they’re good.”
So, they grew up together. Interesting.
“Good? Red is a bitch and Bram a wildcard with about as much sense as a rabid dog. I’m betting the rest of them are just as volatile. Thanks, but no thanks.”
“You don’t know anything. Look, you might not have had the best introduction to my crew, but I can assure you we’re a way better option than that lot.”
“Those two girls don’t seem to think so,” I retort, motioning towards the two lone girls sitting away from the rest of everyone else. One of them is dressed similarly to me with a bright pink streak in her long blonde hair. The other looks like she’d be better placed at some prep school with her neat looking black hair, simple jeans and white shirt combo. I mean, really? What the fuck has she done to warrant being sent to Oceanside? That girl is about as unlawful as Marjorie Black, the resident charity worker slash religious nut who lives on my estate back home.
“Those two girls have their own agenda,” he shrugs, not bothering to elaborate further. “My point is, I’m not recruitingthem. I’m recruitingyou.”
I roll my eyes. “You do realise that you’re not the British Army and I’m about as interested in joining your gang as I am copping off with Sonny, the resident manwhore over there,” I say loudly, hoping Sonny can hear me. Ford’s responding smirk tells me he did.
“Ford, she ain’t worth the hassle, man. Leave her to the wolves,” Bram says, scowling at me.
Ford turns sharply to look at Bram. His eyes narrowing. “Shut the hell up, or next time you fuck up I’ll be feedingyouto the wolves, got it?”
Bram nods his head, his eyes wide with shock. “Got it,” he mumbles.
Now that was unexpected. Threatening to cast his friend aside over me, someone he doesn’t even know. So much for loyalty. I watch as Red whispers something into Bram’s ear, who responds with a rumbling growl and stands suddenly, forcing Red off his lap. If it wasn’t for the guy standing next to her who caught her, she would’ve ended up on her arse. Bram’s an animal. If he treats his own girlfriend like that, then God only knows what he’d do to me.
“The offer still stands,” Ford says, returning his gaze to me, a flash of doubt and annoyance crossing his features. Yeah, arsehole, your mate’s a dick.
“To join…” I pause for effect, cocking my head. “Whatisthe name of your crew?” I ask, vaguely interested to see what this bunch of misfits have called themselves.
